Luke Plange has joined Crystal Palace on a three-and-a-half-year deal from Derby County.
The 19-year-old forward has committed his services to the club until summer 2025, but will return to Derby on loan until the end of the season.
Plange signs for Patrick Vieira’s first-team after making his professional debut in December 2021, featuring for the Rams against Bristol City. He then started his first game in the next fixture and scored the only goal in a win against Blackpool.
He came through the ranks with Arsenal’s Academy, and has made nine senior appearances in his career, being nominated for December’s PFA Championship Player of the Month.
Speaking with Palace TV after putting pen to paper, Plange said: “I'm very excited to be joining a big Premier League club. I'm ready to crack on. Obviously I’ll be with Derby, fighting for them in the Championship at the moment, but I will be ready to go back to Crystal Palace in the summer and get ready to go.”
Chairman Steve Parish added: “Luke is an exceptionally talented young footballer and one we hope will bring a range of attributes to the club in the years to come.
“But first, he has an important role to fulfil playing at Derby, and we appreciate his significance to them in their current circumstances. It is less than 12 years ago that our club was in a similar situation - as a result we were determined to ensure both clubs benefit through this deal. Therefore Luke will return on loan for the remainder of the season and help Derby with their important battles on and off the pitch.
“I look forward to seeing Luke compete in Palace colours soon, and until then enjoy the performances he continues to give for Derby.”
